Have you ever felt like you were dragging a little bit?  I used to all the time.  Here are some proven ways to help you improve your mood and give you an energy boost.

1.  Think positive thoughts. When you think negative thoughts it bogs you down.  It does not matter if the negative thoughts are about yourself, others, the future, the world, your financial situation or anything else, it will bog you down. When you find your thoughts going in this direction, stop! Notice what you’re doing. And then deliberately replace the negative chatter in your mind with positive thoughts. It will take practice. But the more you do it, the easier it will become and the better you will feel.

2.  Cut back on or eliminate caffeine. That buzz it gives you leaves you with less energy than before you drank it. Replace caffeinated beverages with decaffeinated or non-caffeinated drinks. Drink water instead of sodas and herbal tea instead of coffee and caffeinated tea. If you do not like the taste, add some mint.  Mint is a mild stimulant that is actually good for you.

3.  Get enough sleep. If you have trouble getting to sleep, adopt a special bedtime routine, much like parents do with their young children. Make it relaxing and not stimulating, and start your bedtime routine at the same time every night. I find a shower also helps me relax. Get up at the same time every morning too, even on weekends. The body responds well to routine.  Short afternoon naps can give you an energy boost as well. Even 10 minutes can make a difference in the quality of your days.

4. Take stretch breaks during the day. Stretching refreshes you, and the yawns that tend to go along with stretching help oxygenate your blood. Take deep breaths while you’re extending those arms and legs as far as you can. You can easily stretch at your office desk once every half hour or so. If you absolutely can not stretch at work, wiggle your toes.  Try this, and you’ll be less drained at the end of a work day.

5.  Exercise. Even a brisk walk at lunch or later in the afternoon will give you an energy boost, and the energy boost will likely continue for quite some time after the physical activity is over. You don’t have to turn into a jock to reap the benefits of exercise. Short sessions of mild exercise done a few times each day have great benefits.

And most important, you’ve got to ditch junk food and fast food and eat a diet that is primarily fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and, if you eat meat, consume cuts with low fat.

If you do these things and find your feet are still dragging, you may want to consult your doctor. You might have a medical condition that needs professional attention.